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The 51st Academy of Country Music Awards Return to Sin City for a Star-Studded Sunday Night

April 3, 2016

After a year’s hiatus in Dallas to celebrate its golden anniversary, the Academy of Country Music Awards return to Las Vegas Sunday night. Reigning Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is back as co-host, with Dierks Bentley filling the spot vacated by five-time master of ceremonies Blake Shelton, who’ll still take the stage to perform.

Luke and Dierks will sing as well, with Dierks likely to lead the charge of memorable collaborations by teaming up with New Orleans musician Trombone Shorty, who’s featured on his forthcoming album Black. Nick Jonas returns to the ACMs for the second year in a row, this time to duet with New Female Artist winner Kelsea Ballerini. Dolly Parton will trade lines of her iconic songs “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors” with Katy Perry. Miranda Lambert will look for some “Tush” with its creator, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, joined by Keith Urban on guitar.

Keith is one of roughly a half-dozen artists who’ll debut new material, introducing his new single “Wasted Time.” Carrie Underwood will ring “Church Bells,” while Charles Kelley will deliver the Chris Stapleton-penned “Lonely Girl.”

You can bet the ACMs have cleared a slot for the New Male Vocalist winner and most-nominated artist this year, though the bar is set high after Stapleton’s triumph at the CMA Awards with Justin Timberlake. New Duo/Group winner Old Dominion is guaranteed a spot as well.

The rest of this year’s leading nominees are on the bill too. Cam and Eric Church are the evening’s second-most nominated, with half a dozen apiece. Little Big Town is just behind with five.

There’ll be plenty of familiar favorites on the show as well. Cam will do her breakthrough “Burning House,” while Thomas Rhett will sing the biggest hit of his career, “Die a Happy Man.” Tim McGraw offers his current hit “Humble and Kind,” while Chris Young and Cassadee Pope relive their duet, “Think of You.” Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia Line take the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as well.

When it comes to handing out trophies, actors Tom Hiddleston and Kiefer Sutherland lead the way, with Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Martina McBride, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, Cole Swindell and Maddie&Tae taking a turn with the teleprompter as well.

The festivities officially start at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, with the Vocal Event, Video, and Duo of the Year winners to be revealed on the red carpet prior to the show.

Here are the nominees in the remaining categories for the 51st ACM Awards: